Church of God News

Barack Obama

COGwriter

The Living Church of God reported:

Europeans Giddy Over Obama Election. Europeans “partied in the streets” of Brussels all night on Tuesday in anticipation of a Barak Obama election victory. Some likened Mr. Obama to an “American Sarkozy.” Using a phrase from Franklin D. Roosevelt, European Commission President Barroso optimistically observed, “We need a new deal for a new world. I sincerely hope that with the leadership of President Obama, the United States of America will join forces with Europe to drive this new deal.” Europeans are optimistic and desirous for the U.S. to move back into a light in which it can once again be admired and respected. The comments from one election party celebrant in Brussels highlight both the optimism and uncertainty felt by some Europeans, “All of Europe is behind Obama. He’s going to bring back some of the good things we think of about America,” he said. “People here see him as a kind of European, but he’s an American really, and a politician. Democrats have started wars as well” (EU Observer, November 5, 2008). In the last ten years, it has been the nations that sacrificed their uniqueness and sovereignty which have become members of the “inner circle” in Europe. God warns that the Israelite-descended nations will one day be taken into captivity by a European Beast Power (Leviticus 26:31-33, Lamentations 5:1-5)… God will work His will and we must continue to watch.

In all of my years watching USA presidential elections, I have never seen the media, the world in general, and the Europeans in particular so enthralled over a USA president-elect.

The world, American, and media expectations are putting more pressure on the future president than he deserves to have.

Barack Obama has a very difficult job, but probably will appear on the surface to be handling it, as the end (meaning the beginning of the Great Tribulation) is not likely to start before 2013 (as it cannot possibly start before 2012, per Daniel 9:27).

Several articles of possibly related interest may include:

Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States Some claim that Barack Obama is the prophesied “son of Kenya”. Might Bible prophecy be fulfilled since he is to be the USA president?
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Barack Obama is Not the Antichrist Some have suggested that he may be, but he cannot be.  Find out why.
Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”? What is ahead for Europe?
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States?
Two Horned Beast of Revelation and 666 This article explains how the LCG views this, and compares this to Ellen White.  Barack Obama is NOT 666.
End of Mayan Calendar 2012–Might 2012 Mean Something? There is a Mayan calendar prediction for change in 2012. 2012 changes were also centuries ago predicted by the Hopi Native Americans (the Hindus may have some predictions for the next decade as well). Do these Mayan/Hindu/Hopi prophecies have any value? Why might Satan have inspired this date? Does the Dresden codex show destruction of the earth by flood? Can the great tribulation start before 2012?
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2009, 2010, or 2011? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord?

The Strength of Dollars Have Long Been Part of the “Pride of the Power” of the USA (which will be broken per Leviticus 26:19)

COGwriter

While many around the United States and the rest of the world rejoiced yesterday with Barack Obama’s victory, Wall Street had a down day:

Wednesday, November 05, 2008

Uptick

Floored: Dow Plunges 486 Points

Matt Egan

Election-Day euphoria vanished in a cloud of negativity on Wednesday as the Dow plummeted almost 500 points, its worst post-election plunge on record. The losses narrowly surpassed the Dow’s 4.51% decline the day after Franklin Roosevelt’s win in 1932 during the Great Depression…

The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 486.01 points, or 5.05%, to 9139.27, the broader S&P 500 dropped 52.98 points, or 5.27%, to 952.77 and the Nasdaq Composite slid 98.48 points, or 5.53%, to 1681.64. The consumer-friendly FOX 50 fell 42.13 points, 5.49%, to 724.71…

Economy Back in Focus

Obama’s election was widely expected on Wall Street and elsewhere, so Wednesday’s losses likely weren’t a knee-jerk reaction to his victory.

“The election of Obama does not change anything from an economic, credit or housing point of view. Nothing has changed other than the fact that people will now stop focusing on the election and start to focus on the economy,” said Kenneth Polcari, managing director at ICAP Equities.

There was no shortage of economic news on Wednesday for Wall Street to focus on. Unfortunately, none of it was positive.

The ADP Employment survey released Wednesday showed the U.S. lost a higher-than-expected 157,000 private-sector jobs last month. However, the ADP report has had limited success recently in predicting the government’s more closely-watched report.

Another key economic report showed the nation’s service sector contracted further in October, giving yet more evidence of a U.S. recession. The Institute for Supply Management, a private research firm, said its non-manufacturing index fell to 44.4 last month, down from 50.2 in September.

Looming in the not-too-distant future is Friday’s all-important monthly jobs report, which is expected to show the U.S. lost 175,000 jobs in October on top of the 160,000 lost the month before…

Global Markets

Overseas, Asian investors responded positively to Obama’s victory. Japan’s Nikkei 225 Index gained 406.64, or 4.46%, to 9521.24. In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng Index gained 455.82 points, or 3.17%, to 14840.16.

European reaction was more tepid as London’s FTSE 100 closed down 2.4% and Germany’s Dax lost 2.1%.  http://www.foxbusiness.com/story/markets/election-euphoria-fades-dow-plunges/

However, on Tuesday (the day of the election), the stock market went up.  Despite some of the more socialistic policies of Barack Obama (which like certain ones of the current Bush administration will likely increase total US debt), it is likely that the stock market will go both up and down during his administration.  Ultimately, however, the US dollar will not be worth the cotton-paper that it is written upon.

But as I have been writing for a long while, since the Great Tribulation cannot begin prior to 2012 (because of Daniel 9:27 and other factors, and most likely not until 1-4 years later than 2012), if the Great Tribulation begins under Barack Obama’s watch, it will not begin until sometime in his possibly second term.

Several articles of possibly related interest may include:

Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
End of Mayan Calendar 2012–Might 2012 Mean Something? There is a Mayan calendar prediction for change in 2012. 2012 changes were also centuries ago predicted by the Hopi Native Americans (the Hindus may have some predictions for the next decade as well). Do these Mayan/Hindu/Hopi prophecies have any value? Why might Satan have inspired this date? Does the Dresden codex show destruction of the earth by flood? Can the great tribulation start before 2012?
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States?
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States Some claim that Barack Obama is the prophesied “son of Kenya”. Might Bible prophecy be fulfilled since he is to be the USA president?
Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End? Was a 6000 year time allowed for humans to rule followed by a literal thousand year reign of Christ on Earth taught by the early Christians? When does the six thousand years of human rule end?
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2009, 2010, or 2011? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord?

Bas-relief at Angkor Wat, dated circa 1150, depicting a demon performing an abortion by pounding a mallet into a woman’s belly.

COGwriter

A link from a Catholic website brought me to the following this afternoon:

For no shortage of churchfolk, the “nightmare” scenario has come to pass: the Vice President-elect of the United States… a Democrat… the first Catholic to hold the post… come January, a heartbeat away from the Oval Office…

…all while getting called out by his pastors  — and, in a handful of locales, barred from the Eucharist.

Oh, and he got reelected to the Senate, to boot. http://whispersintheloggia.blogspot.com/2008/11/first-catholic.html

The election of Joseph Biden as USA vice-president was most likely disturbing to the Vatican (the Vatican was partially responsible for John Kerry not winning last time).

The Catholics of Rome, and rightly so, do not believe that it is good for public officials to profess Catholocism while endorsing abortion rights.

There have been many comments and meetings by those associated with the Vatican to get people not to support Joseph Biden, some of which I have covered at this news page (see Vatican Offical Says No to Biden and Pelosi, But Not to Palin).

However weak it may now seem to be, make no mistake about it, the Vatican has been instrumental in promoting and sometimes eliminating the political careers of many, and most likely will have much more influence in the next decade than it has had in this one.

We in the Living Church of God, while not getting involved in the secular politics of this world, would not consider that one who promotes abortion rights could even be a member of our church.  Perhaps, the Vatican may decide to follow us on this point.

Three articles of possibly related interest may include:

Which Is Faithful: The Roman Catholic Church or the Living Church of God? Do you know that both groups shared a lot of the earliest teachings? Do you know which church changed? Do you know which group is most faithful to the teachings of the apostolic church? Which group best represents true Christianity? This documented article answers those questions.
Abortion, the Bible, and a Woman’s Right to Choose Do you know what the Bible teaches on this?
There are Many COGs: Why Support the Living Church of God? This is an article for those who wish to easily sort out the different COGs. It really should be a MUST READ for current and former WCG members or any interested in supporting the faithful church. It also explains a lot of what the COGs are all about.

Barack Obama

COGwriter

Although the US electoral college will not meet for a while, the popular vote and the associated electorial votes essentially make Barack Obama the president-elect of the United States.

As regular readers of this page are aware, there is a prophecy in the Bible that states:

As for My people, children are their oppressors, And women rule over them. O My people! Those who lead you cause you to err, And destroy the way of your paths…(Isaiah 3:12)

And while Barack Obama is a male, the early support by Oprah Winfrey played an important role in him getting enough attention to possibly win.

Furthermore, women were the key in yesterday’s USA election of him.  Notice the following:

Women’s support proves key in battlegrounds

Female voters heavily favor Obama, helping propel historic victory

By JoNel Aleccia…

Women voters typically are crucial to a Democratic presidential victory, and Obama was pulling 55 percent of their votes, compared with 43 percent for McCain, according to exit polls. Obama and McCain were nearly even among male voters, who split 49-49 percent…

Women voters outnumbered men nationally by about 53-47 percent, according to exit polls. Women make up not only more of the general population, but also more of adult voters, historic census figures show.

‘Women decided this election’

“If men split evenly between Obama and McCain, then women decided this election,” said Debbie Walsh, director of the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University.

Monique Craig, a 40-year-old white administrative assistant from Boca Raton, Fla., was among those who landed in the McCain camp.

“I support (McCain) because I’m afraid if Obama gets elected we’re going to go to a more socialistic government,” said Craig. “I don’t feel like he’s strong enough to run the country with any kind of terrorist attack.”  http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27524699/

So while not all women supported him, women were certainly key to yesterday’s election of Barack Obama.

We are in for some unusual times, but biblically it is not possible for the Great Tribulation to begin prior to 2012, and it is more likely not to start for 1-4 years after that. While the pieces are lining up for the fulfillment of prophecies such as Daniel 9:27 (see Mediterranean Union Makes Deal With Israel and Arab States and Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2009, 2010, or 2011?), the fact that the deal has not yet been made means that there is a least 3 1/2 years to go–and probably more than that from today.

Thus, while Barack Obama will lead a nation in decline, his first term will not be when the Great Tribulation begins.

So, if the Great Tribulation will begin while Barack Obama is President, I do not believe it will be until his second term in office.  And it is certainly possible that he will be re-elected.  If Barack Obama is re-elected, then it is likely that Barack Obama will lead the United States into destruction and the Great Tribulation.

Barack Obama certainly seems to be one who would be willing to work so closely with the Europeans as to allow them to gain military and economic advantage over the United States.  And as I reported yesterday (see EU’s Letter to the President Elect), this seems to be the direction that the Europeans wish to head now.

We live in perilous times, but the end is not yet.

Several articles of possibly related interest may include:

Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States Some claim that Barack Obama is the prophesied “son of Kenya”. Might Bible prophecy be fulfilled since he is to be the USA president?
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Barack Obama is Not the Antichrist Some have suggested that he may be, but he cannot be.  Find out why.
Some Doctrines of Antichrist Are there any doctrines taught outside the Churches of God which can be considered as doctrines of antichrist? This article suggests at least three. It also provides information on 666 and the identity of “the false prophet”. Plus it shows that several Catholic writers seem to warn about an ecumenical antipope that will support heresy.
Do Certain Catholic Prophecies About Antichrist Warn Against Jesus? Will the final “Anti-Christ” be Jewish, insist on Saturday, be opposed to the trinity, and bring in the millennium? Catholic writings indicate this, but what does the Bible show?
Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”? What is ahead for Europe?
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States?
Two Horned Beast of Revelation and 666 This article explains how the LCG views this, and compares this to Ellen White.  Neither John McCain nor Barack Obama are 666.
End of Mayan Calendar 2012–Might 2012 Mean Something? There is a Mayan calendar prediction for change in 2012. 2012 changes were also centuries ago predicted by the Hopi Native Americans (the Hindus may have some predictions for the next decade as well). Do these Mayan/Hindu/Hopi prophecies have any value? Why might Satan have inspired this date? Does the Dresden codex show destruction of the earth by flood? Can the great tribulation start before 2012?
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2009, 2010, or 2011? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord?
Women and the New Testament Church Were women important in the New Testament Church? Which women and how were they involved?

Barack Obama

COGwriter

History appears to have been made in the USA as it appears that the son of a Kenyan (Barack Obama’s father was born in Kenya as a Luo) won the USA presidential race.

Here is what AP has reported:

WASHINGTON (Nov. 4) – Barack Obama was elected the nation’s first black president Tuesday night in a historic triumph that overcame racial barriers as old as America itself.

For the first time, one who does not appear to have been a descendant of any of the tribes of Israel has been elected to become the President of the United States.  Lest some make claims of racial prejudice here, I will simply state that I too, am primarily of Gentile heritage and agree with the apostles and the Bible that salvation is open to all of any ethnic background (Acts 10:34-38; 11:1; Romans 2:11-29; Revelation 7:9-10).  Because Barack Obama’s father was Luo and his mother at least part American Indian, I believe that Barack Obama is predominantly Gentile and not Israelite.

This election has been met with great rejoicing throughout many parts of the world, but in particular with those in Kenya:

Africans rev up to celebrate an Obama victory

By TOM MALITI – 59 minutes ago

KISUMU, Kenya (AP) — Africans stayed up at all-night parties or woke before dawn Wednesday, gathering around televisions and radios as Barack Obama took the lead in his election bid to become the first black U.S. president.

“I’m not tired even, though I have been watching the results through the night,” Josiah Otupa, 30, said early Wednesday in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi. “Our man is in the lead but we are still praying hard.”

In Nairobi’s Kibera shantytown, one of the largest slums in Africa, hundreds gathered around a massive bonfire of burning tires. Residents joyfully held up Obama posters, blew whistles and waved American flags.

“We will be here until morning, and we will continue with celebrations…

Obama’s Kenyan relatives cheer win

By TOM MALITI – 55 minutes ago

KOGELO, Kenya (AP) — Barack Obama’s Kenyan family erupted in cheers Wednesday, singing “we are going to the White House,” as he became the first African-American elected president.

In the western village of Kogelo, where the Democratic candidate’s late father was born, police had tightened security to prevent hordes of media and others from entering the rural homestead of Obama’s step-grandmother, Sarah.

In early 2008, I found the following report (which could have been made up) of interest:

February 13, 2008

Prophet Of Barack Obama Warns Of Catastrophic US Destruction

By: Sorcha Faal, and as reported to her Western Subscribers

Reports from the United States today are trumpeting the primary election victories of US Senator Barack Obama…

However, not to Senator Obama should these American people be looking for their greatest insight into this man, and their future, but rather their attention should be placed upon last centuries great Kenyan Prophet, Johanwa Owalo, the founder of Kenya’s Nomiya Luo Church, and who among the Kenya people of the Luo religion is believed to be a prophet similar to Jesus Christ and Muhammad, and who in 1912 made this horrific prophecy about the United States:

“So far have they [the United States] strayed into wickedness in those [future] times that their destruction has been sealed by my [father]. Their great cities will burn, their crops and cattle will suffer disease and death, their children will perish from diseases never seen upon this Earth, and I reveal to you the greatest [mystery] of all as I have been allowed to see that their [the United States] destruction will come about through the vengeful hands of one of our very own sons.” [1]

[1] “Visions of the Great Nyasaye, A Study of the Luo Religion in Kenya”, Order of Sorcha Faal, Sister Mary McCrea © 1915

© February 13, 2008 EU and US all rights reserved. (http://www.whatdoesitmean.com/index1070.htm viewed 4/17/08)

Now, I have searched the net (including amazon and Google print) and NOT been able to find the actual text (Visions of the Great Nyasaye) which is cited in the article above, hence it could all be made up.  However, perhaps I should mention that on November 4, 2008, I once again went to the Obama campaign’s “Fight the Smears” website and there was still no comment about this alleged Kenyan “prophecy”–hence they have seen no real reason to deny it–which, of course, does not prove nor disprove it.

I was, however, able to find some information on the Luo and their religion:

The Luo (also called Jaluo and Joluo) are an ethnic group in Kenya, eastern Uganda, and northern Tanzania. They are part of a larger group of ethnolinguistically related Luo peoples who inhabit an area including southern Sudan, northern and eastern Uganda, western Kenya, and northern Tanzania…

Notable Luos: Raila Odinga ·Barack Obama · Peter A. Odhiambo (Luo (Kenya and Tanzania), Wikipedia.  viewed 11/4/08).

Luo… Throughout the nineteenth century AD , the Luo migrated into the area they now occupy in Kenya. They left lower savanna grasslands for higher and cooler regions with reliable rainfall…

LOCATION According to the last national population census conducted in 1989, the Luo number over 3 million people, or about 13 percent of Kenya’s total population…

For example, the Nomiya Luo Church, which started in 1912, was the first independent church in Kenya. The founder of this church, Johanwa Owalo, is believed to be a prophet similar to Jesus Christ and Muhammad. Owalo later teamed up with a Catholic priest and began teaching a new theology that rejected both the Pope and the doctrine of the trinity (Luo. Junior Worldmark Encyclopedia of World Cultures, 1999, article pages 1 & 3. http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_gx5217/is_1999/ai_n19133319/pg_1?tag=artBody;col1 viewed 11/04/08 )

Hence, there apparently is a Luo religion in Kenya, and there was one associated with it named Johanwa Owalo who made some prophecies.  And Barack Obama is considered, by Wikipedia at least, to be a Luo.

His first name, however, is Hebrew:

The meaning of the name Barak is Lightning, Spark

The origin of the name Barak is Hebrew (http://www.babynames.com/name/BARAK)

His middle name is Arabic:

The meaning of the name Hussein is Handsome One

The origin of the name Hussein is Arabic (http://www.babynames.com/name/HUSSEIN)

His last name seems to mean “slightly bent”:

The meaning of the name Obama is Slightly Bent

The origin of the name Obama is African

Notes: From a rare Luo (Kenyan) name, meaning a baby born with bent arm or leg or possibly a breech birth. (http://www.babynames.com/name/OBAMA)

So Barack Hussein Obama’s last name is Luo Kenyan.  (If that last name originally came from Hebrew, then it has another meaning, please see End of Mayan Calendar 2012–Might 2012 Mean Something?)

Irrespective of possible Kenyan prophecies, Bible prophecy itself warns that if the descendants of Israel sinned and did not repent, the following would happen:

43 The alien who is among you shall rise higher and higher above you, and you shall come down lower and lower (Deuteronomy 28:43).

12 As for My people, children are their oppressors, And women rule over them. O My people! Those who lead you cause you to err, And destroy the way of your paths.” (Isaiah 3:12)

16 For the leaders of this people cause them to err, And those who are led by them are destroyed (Isaiah 9:16).

While I believe that Barack Obama is basically a sincere and well-meaning individual, I also believe that since he is a son of a non-Israelite that he will likely help fulfill those prophecies, at least to a degree (and I also felt that John McCain would fulfill the last two biblical prophecies above if he was elected, see Monday’s post titled US Election Tomorrow: Pray & Fast).

Today, however, I noticed that a non-COG preacher (Bill Keller) believes that Barack Obama may fulfill Muslim prophecy.  Specifically, the following one:

Narrated Abu Huraira:

Allah’s Apostle said, “The hour will not be established till the sun rises from the West; and when it rises (from the West) and the people see it, they all will believe. And that is (the time) when no good will it do to a soul to believe then.” (Prophetic Commentary on the Koran.  Bukhari, Volume 6, Book 60, Number 160.) Encyclopedia of the Orient. http://lexicorient.com/e.o/texts/bukhari/060.htm viewed 11/4/08).

Why is it claimed that Barack Obama may fulfill that prophecy?

Notice his campaign symbol:

Bill Keller claims that the above symbol represents the sun rising over the US flag, which he claims symbolizes the West.  Essentially Bill Keller seems to indicate that the election of Barack Obama will be a sign for Muslims to refer to as proof that the time of the end is now upon them.  While it is true that we are getting close to the end, how Muslims will feel about the son of a Kenyan becoming USA president, but who does not follow the Koran, is unclear to me at least (a follow-up news item of potentially related interest may be Obama in Islamic Prophecy?).

Presuming that he survives, President-elect Obama will lead a major nation that is in decline.  And this will likely mean that Barack Obama will fulfill one or more biblical prophecies–and possibly non-biblical ones as well.

We live in perilous times, but the Great Tribulation itself is not yet, nor can it begin before 2012 (and most likely 1-4 years later than that).  And whether Barack Obama will be in charge at the final destruction of the USA is not yet clear, but it is currently a distinct possibility.

Several articles of possibly related interest may include:

Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States Some claim that Barack Obama is the prophesied “son of Kenya”. Might Bible prophecy be fulfilled since he is to be the USA president?
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Barack Obama Carries Hindu Monkey God Although there are some strange and false stories about Barack Obama, this one seems to be true.
Barack Obama is Not the Antichrist Some have suggested that he may be, but he cannot be.  Find out why.
Some Doctrines of Antichrist Are there any doctrines taught outside the Churches of God which can be considered as doctrines of antichrist? This article suggests at least three. It also provides information on 666 and the identity of “the false prophet”. Plus it shows that several Catholic writers seem to warn about an ecumenical antipope that will support heresy.
Do Certain Catholic Prophecies About Antichrist Warn Against Jesus? Will the final “Anti-Christ” be Jewish, insist on Saturday, be opposed to the trinity, and bring in the millennium? Catholic writings indicate this, but what does the Bible show?
Two Horned Beast of Revelation and 666 This article explains how the LCG views this, and compares this to Ellen White.  Neither John McCain nor Barack Obama are 666.
End of Mayan Calendar 2012–Might 2012 Mean Something? There is a Mayan calendar prediction for change in 2012. 2012 changes were also centuries ago predicted by the Hopi Native Americans (the Hindus may have some predictions for the next decade as well). Do these Mayan/Hindu/Hopi prophecies have any value? Why might Satan have inspired this date? Does the Dresden codex show destruction of the earth by flood? Can the great tribulation start before 2012?
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2009, 2010, or 2011? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord?

The Flag European Union is Based Upon A Painting Allegedly of Mary with a “Halo” of Stars

COGwriter

On the margins of the meeting of the Mediterranean Union, the European Union has put together a letter that it intends to send to the one elected as President of the United States today:

I suspect that the new USA president will cooperate enough with the Europeans to allow them to build up their military might, learn US defense secrets, be able expand their economic influence, and otherwise strengthen Europe at the ultimate expense of the USA.

This is not to say that the USA will not receive any benefit from this closer cooperation (I suspect that they EU will agree to certain foreign policy decisions and perhaps lend the USA more money).  It is just that Europe is prophesied to destroy the Anglo-American powers, but it still needs assistance to be able to do that–until it is ready.

Several articles of possibly related interest may include:

Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”? What is ahead for Europe?
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States?
Is There A Future King of the South? Some no longer believe there needs to be. Might Egypt, Islam, Iran, Arabs, or Ethiopia be involved? What does the Bible say?
Russia: Its Origins and Prophesied Future Where do the Russians come from? What is prophesied for Russia? What will it do to the Europeans that supported the Beast in the end?
End of Mayan Calendar 2012–Might 2012 Mean Something? There is a Mayan calendar prediction for change in 2012. 2012 changes were also centuries ago predicted by the Hopi Native Americans (the Hindus may have some predictions for the next decade as well). Do these Mayan/Hindu/Hopi prophecies have any value? Why might Satan have inspired this date? Does the Dresden codex show destruction of the earth by flood? Can the great tribulation start before 2012?
Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End? Was a 6000 year time allowed for humans to rule followed by a literal thousand year reign of Christ on Earth taught by the early Christians? When does the six thousand years of human rule end?
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2009, 2010, or 2011? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord?

Union for the Mediterranean

Blue: Members of the European Union in the Union for the Mediterranean States
Green: Other members (primarily from the African Union & Arab League)
Striped green: Libya is currently only an observer member in the Union for the Mediterranean

COGwriter

In July 2008, I posted information on the July 2008 formation of the Union for the Mediterranean (please see Deal Leading to Psalm 83?).  The following related news item was posted just one hour ago:

Mediterranean Union agrees on Arab-Israeli role

1 hour ago

MARSEILLE, France (AFP) — Foreign ministers from the new Mediterranean Union have agreed for Israel and the Arab League to take part side-by-side, diplomats said on Tuesday.

They also agreed to have Barcelona as the location for the new Union’s headquarters.

“There is a consensus on all the points,” an official at the French EU presidency told reporters in Marseille where the union’s 43 member states were meeting to break a four-month deadlock on the two contentious issues.

An Israeli diplomat confirmed that ministers had agreed to back Barcelona’s candidacy in exchange for the post of secretary-general going to a country from the Mediterranean’s mainly Arab southern rim.

He said ministers had agreed to grant the Arab League full participant status, in exchange for one of five deputy secretary-general posts going to Israel for an initial two- or three-year period.

The Mediterranean Union’s French and Egyptian co-chairs were expected to formally announced their decision at a closing press conference scheduled for 2:30 pm (1330 GMT).

Barcelona, the Mediterranean capital of Spain’s Catalonia region, lent its name to the 13-year-old Barcelona Process, an EU regional initiative that stalled in part over Arab-Israeli disputes.

Under French impetus, that effort has been replaced by what is formally called the Barcelona Process: Union for the Mediterranean. http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5j2QuqujezWfhVuxuMYf_BR8r7SgQ

While the deals in Psalm 83/Daniel 11:27-28 and Daniel 9:27 have not yet occurred, the Mediterranean Union may be the organizational framework for possibly all such deals to take place (though the Mediterranean Union itself is not strictly necessary for any of them).

While the Mediterranean Union does have a co-president of the North and a co-president of the South (called the “co-chairs” in the above article), neither are yet in position to be the final King of the North nor the final King of the South.  But events seem to be lining up in a way that the top Mediterranean Union leaders may ultimately hold those positions.

So, while much of the world is focusing on today’s USA presidential election, events in Europe and the Middle East continue to move forward in ways to be set to fulfill biblical prophecy.

Several articles of possibly related interest may include:

Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”? What is ahead for Europe?
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States?
Is There A Future King of the South? Some no longer believe there needs to be. Might Egypt, Islam, Iran, Arabs, or Ethiopia be involved? What does the Bible say?
The Arab World In the Bible, History, and Prophecy The Bible discusses the origins of the Arab world and discusses the Middle East in prophecy. What is ahead for the Middle East and those who follow Islam?
Why Prophecy? Because the World Will Not End Next Week Some question or downplay the role of prophecy. This article gives some of the biblical reasons what it is important and explains why the world cannot end for at least 3 1/2 years from now.
End of Mayan Calendar 2012–Might 2012 Mean Something? There is a Mayan calendar prediction for change in 2012. 2012 changes were also centuries ago predicted by the Hopi Native Americans (the Hindus may have some predictions for the next decade as well). Do these Mayan/Hindu/Hopi prophecies have any value? Why might Satan have inspired this date? Does the Dresden codex show destruction of the earth by flood? Can the great tribulation start before 2012?
Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End? Was a 6000 year time allowed for humans to rule followed by a literal thousand year reign of Christ on Earth taught by the early Christians? When does the six thousand years of human rule end?
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2009, 2010, or 2011? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord?
Two Horned Beast of Revelation and 666 This article explains how the LCG views this, and compares this to Ellen White.

COGwriter

In the latest edition of his Prophecy Flash, TPM’s William Dankenbring declared that Herbert W. Armstrong was the specific Shebna of Isaiah 22:15-19.  Here is what William Dankenbring wrote:

A New Look at the Mysterious “SHEBNA” In Prophecy!

In the book of Isaiah is a shocking prophecy for the end time, one which has never before been understood. Many have wondered about it. But until now it has remained hidden from human understanding! Nobody has ever really understood it! But now it stands REVEALED for the very first time! Notice this amazing, dumfounding end-time Bible prophecy!

William F. Dankenbring

To many people, this will be a bombshell. It will explode all over their pet beliefs and religious convictions and assumptions. Yet the evidence is irrefutable – incontrovertible – absolutely proved by the “fruits.”

Many years ago I worked for a church whose leader was like an imperious toga-wearing Roman Senator or Caesar. He ruled the church with an iron thumb. In his private moments and sometimes public statements, he referred to the church brethren as “dumb sheep.”

He jetted around the world. He hob-knobbed with Prime Ministers and Kings of smallcountries in Asia, Japan, Thailand, the Philippines, and had his picture taken with royalty and heads of state…

But who is this end-time “Shebna”? Can we know the answer? Notice!

Who Is This Mysterious Shebna?

Let us notice more about the historical personage named Shebna, in order to learn more about the end-time “Shebna” who will rise, or has risen, to power, to be over the end-time “Work of God” during the final generation just before the Second Coming of Jesus Christ!

The New Bible Dictionary points out that Shebna was a high ranking minister (“which is over the house,” Isa.22:15), and also a “secretary” or “scribe” of the king (II Kings 18:18, 19:2), as well as the king’s “treasurer” (Isa.22:15) – a man of very high office and position, under Hezekiah the king. Hezekiah was a “type” or “figure” for Christ. So “Shebna” would be Christ’s leading minister over his House, the Church of God, in the end times. He would be a great “writer..” Or “scribe.” He would govern the flow of great sums of money which poured in to the church coffers in tithes and offerings.

These characteristics all fit Herbert W. Armstrong to a “T”!

Isaiah rebuked Shebna for his vanity and self-display, evidenced in his preparation of a conspicuous, ostentatious tomb or monument for himself (Isa.22:15-19).

Thus, TPM’s William Dankenbring is teaching that Herbert W. Armstrong fits the Shebna prophecies.

The Bible, however, makes it clear that Herbert W. Armstrong did not fulfill the prophecies associated with Shebna.  Notice some verses that William Dankenbring referred to but neglected to actually quote:

15 “Go, proceed to this steward, To Shebna, who is over the house, and say: 16 ‘What have you here, and whom have you here, That you have hewn a sepulcher here,As he who hews himself a sepulcher on high, Who carves a tomb for himself in a rock? 17 Indeed, the LORD will throw you away violently, O mighty man, And will surely seize you. 18 He will surely turn violently and toss you like a ball Into a large country; There you shall die, and there your glorious chariots Shall be the shame of your master’s house. 19 So I will drive you out of your office, And from your position he will pull you down (Isaiah 22:15-19).

Thus, since Herbert W. Armstrong died peacefully and was not driven out of his office, he simply does not fit the role of an end-time Shebna.

I tend to avoid making many reports about the false apostle William Dankenbring, but reported this because a former WCG member that I know strongly felt that someone should expose William Dankenbring’s error on this.

William Dankenbring makes so many errors that I rarely take the time to go over them any more, but this Shebna one is so clear that even William Dankenbring should have seen it.

In the same article, TPM’s William Dankenbring also declared:

In these last days, many members of the Worldwide Church of God, and all of its split-off groups, such as Philadelphia Church of God, Living Church of God, and United Church of God, are for some reason or another BLIND to the faults and flaws of Herbert Armstrong. They are delusional. They perpetuate the cover-up. They won’t discuss the truth of these allegations. Many refuse to admit he could do any wrong, that he could have made MAJOR mistakes in his

The fact is that I and others have looked into the false accusations against Herbert W. Armstrong.  The difference between William Dankenbring and me is that I looked for actual proof and he seems to have normally accepted more heresay.

Hopefully, those who read his materials will wake up and check out the facts and ignore William Dankenbring’s inaccurate opinions.

Articles of possibly related interest may include:

Who Was Herbert W. Armstrong? How is He Viewed Today? Includes quotes from the 1973 edition of The Autobiography of Herbert W. Armstrong and explains how he is and should be viewed today.
15 Accusations and Truthful Responses About Herbert W. Armstrong He, even after his death, keeps being improperly maligned–here is the truth on these matters.
Teachings of Triumph Prophetic Ministries William Dankenbring’s ministry–incorrectly speculates on various dates and holds to some odd doctrines.
Why Be Concerned About False and Heretical Leaders? There have been many false leaders–here is some of why you should be concerned about them.

Barack Obama

Sarah Palin

COGwriter

Tomorrow, history will be made in the USA.

Either the USA will have its first African-American president or its first female vice-president. (Note: Lest someone start rumors that I purposely sized the pictures in this post based on some type of personal preference, it should be mentioned that the fact is that the above are the sizes that the public domain photos I accessed came out–I do not endorse any of the candidates running for USA president or vice-president.)

If Christians are not supposed to vote, what should we do about leaders?

Pray for them!

Notice what Paul wrote:

Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior (1 Tim 2:1-3).

Notice that we are to pray for worldly leaders and those that have authority over us so that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life.

We also are to pray:

The will of the Lord be done (Acts 21:14).

Similarly,  Jesus taught:

7 And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words. 8 Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him. 9 In this manner, therefore, pray:

Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. 10 Your kingdom come. Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:7-10).

And that, I believe, should be the type of prayer that Christians have about elections.  Followers of the true God are also told to:

5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.

7 Do not be wise in your own eyes;
Fear the LORD and depart from evil (Proverbs 3:5-7).

Voting for one promoting evil (abortion in the case of Barack Obama and “country first”, in violation of the first commandment, in the case of John McCain) is not a Christian thing to do.

Many people, however, apparently are not satisfied with the biblical admonitions to trust God to chose political leaders.  This is not new (1 Samuel 8:6-7).

And while I can certainly understand that people often feel that they should do more, people often forget that God inspired Jeremiah to write:

O LORD, I know the way of man is not in himself; It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps (Jeremiah 10:23).

Also notice what Hosea was inspired to write:

Observe mercy and justice, And wait on your God continually (Hosea 12:6).

Some of those that vote seem to forget what God said:

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the LORD. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts…”(Isaiah 55:8-9).

‘This decision is by the decree of the watchers, And the sentence by the word of the holy ones, In order that the living may know That the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, Gives it to whomever He will, And sets over it the lowest of men.’ (Daniel 4:17).

It may be of interest to point out that Jesus suggested that people would take matters in their own hands thinking that they are doing God a service (John 16:2). And while this referred to killing, the principle is still that one should not violate what God instructs and justify it by thinking that God wants one to.

Those that are physically able may also wish to fast, an action that goes along with praying (cf. Matthew 6:16-18).

No matter who wins, I believe they will lead a nation in decline and will almost certainly increase the rate of ultimate decline of the Anglo-American powers.  God can decide who, when, and why we should get particular leaders.

Since we are getting closer to the time of the end, I believe that tomorrow’s winner (even if it is not clear tomorrow) will help fulfill the following:

12 As for My people, children are their oppressors, And women rule over them. O My people! Those who lead you cause you to err, And destroy the way of your paths.” (Isaiah 3:12)

16 For the leaders of this people cause them to err, And those who are led by them are destroyed (Isaiah 9:16).

Perhaps I should remind everyone that even Barack Obama winning helps fulfill the part about women ruling as it was actually the promotion and relatively early endorsement by Oprah Winfrey that, in my opinion, really made him a serious contender in the Democratic primaries.

But irrespective of that, Jesus did not vote while He was on this earth.  Neither will I.

Those truly concerned about this election should pray (and if safely possible fast) for “The will of the Lord be done” (Acts 21:14).

Several articles of possibly related interest may include:

Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States Some claim that Barack Obama is the prophesied “son of Kenya”. Might Bible prophecy be fulfilled if he is elected president?
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Barack Obama Carries Hindu Monkey God Although there are some strange and false stories about Barack Obama, this one seems to be true.
Might Sarah Palin Fulfill Prophecy? Why might Sarah Palin fulfill Bible prophecy?
Barack Obama is Not the Antichrist Some have suggested that he may be, but neither he nor John McCain will be.  Find out why they cannot be.
Some Doctrines of Antichrist Are there any doctrines taught outside the Churches of God which can be considered as doctrines of antichrist? This article suggests at least three. It also provides information on 666 and the identity of “the false prophet”. Plus it shows that several Catholic writers seem to warn about an ecumenical antipope that will support heresy.
Do Certain Catholic Prophecies About Antichrist Warn Against Jesus? Will the final “Anti-Christ” be Jewish, insist on Saturday, be opposed to the trinity, and bring in the millennium? Catholic writings indicate this, but what does the Bible show?
Two Horned Beast of Revelation and 666 This article explains how the LCG views this, and compares this to Ellen White.  Neither John McCain nor Barack Obama are 666.
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2009, 2010, or 2011? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord?
Should a Christian Vote? This article gives some of the Biblical rationale on this subject. Would Jesus vote for president? Is voting in the Bible? This is a subject Christians need to understand.

VS.
Ronald Weinland Says His Books and His Interpretations of the Bible Are What He Wants Potential Supporters to Study. The COGwriter Site Instead Urges Those Interested in Him and End-Time Prophecies to Spend More Time Checking His Writings with the Bible.

COGwriter

It was just 33 days ago that Ronald Weinland’s 1335 days supposedly began (see Ronald Weinland Wrong, Again).  This is the second start of the one-time 1335 days that Ronald Weinland declared began this year (the other time supposed start date was February 2, 2008, see Ronald Weinland Announced When He Claims Jesus Will Return).

But despite his bold and false claims, Ronald Weinland is a relatively silent “witness”.  He is not writing much or having much reach.

He last posted a letter on the internet August 21, 2008 titled “THUNDERS GROWING STRONGER”–which seems a long time for one who claims that the end has begun.  As far as any “thunders” intensifying from him, that simply has not been the case.

While one of his websites lists that he gave 19 interviews in 2007, he only had one in 2008 (April 10), and probably has stopped doing the interviews because in several of them he promised to come back and admit he was a false prophet if the USA was not attacked with nukes by the late Spring of 2008 (though in one he gave himself until July 2008) or other such false statements he proclaimed did not come to pass.

Yesterday, he did preach part 2 of a sermon on zeal that relatively few people have listened to or even heard of.

Ronald Weinland is not one of God’s two witnesses.

Notice what the 15th Psalm states:

1 LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary?
Who may live on your holy hill?

2 He whose walk is blameless
and who does what is righteous,
who speaks the truth from his heart
3 and has no slander on his tongue,
who does his neighbor no wrong
and casts no slur on his fellowman,
4 who despises a vile man
but honors those who fear the LORD,
who keeps his oath
even when it hurts,
5 who lends his money without usury
and does not accept a bribe against the innocent.

He who does these things
will never be shaken. NIV

Ronald Weinland did not observe the bolded part.  He did not keep his oath/word to admit that he was false.  He is not one that has the approval of God.

Ronald Weinland is not God’s prophet, nor did the 1335 days begin on February 2008 as he once taught nor on September 30, 2008 as he now teaches.  The Great Tribulation will not begin in 2008 nor in 2009.

Those who really want to know what the Bible teaches will happen related to the the 1335 days, the 1290 days, and the 1260 days of Daniel should read the following articles:

Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States?
Is There A Future King of the South? Some no longer believe there needs to be. Might Egypt, Islam, Iran, Arabs, or Ethiopia be involved? What does the Bible say?
End of Mayan Calendar 2012–Might 2012 Mean Something? There is a Mayan calendar prediction for change in 2012. 2012 changes were also centuries ago predicted by the Hopi Native Americans (the Hindus may have some predictions for the next decade as well). Do these Mayan/Hindu/Hopi prophecies have any value? Why might Satan have inspired this date? Does the Dresden codex show destruction of the earth by flood? Can the great tribulation start before 2012?
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2009, 2010, or 2011? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord?
Who Are The Two Witnesses? What is their job? What does the Bible reveal? What has the Church of God taught on this subject? Might even Roman Catholic prophecies give some clues here?

Those interested in more of Ronald Weinland’s teachings may wish to read the often updated article:

Concerns About Ronald Weinland’s Church of God-Preparing for the Kingdom of God Ronald Weinland falsely claims to be one of the two witnesses God is raising up and that the end will come in 2008. Why is he a false prophet? He also has at least one other view that suggests that he is not part of the Church of God.